New Delhi: Morocco secured a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-host Canada in Houston on Sunday. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi starred with two second-half goals, while Soufiane Rahimi added a late strike in injury time to seal the win and book a quarter-final showdown against France on July 9 in Boston.
The upcoming encounter carries added significance for Morocco, which was eliminated by France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Despite the defeat, Canada’s run to the Round of 16 marks a historic achievement, as the nation had never previously won a World Cup match before this tournament.
Canada made an energetic start and looked the more dangerous side in the opening half. The hosts earned several corner kicks and created multiple scoring opportunities but were unable to find the breakthrough. Winger Ali Ahmed set up Tani Oluwaseyi with a promising chance, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, born in Canada, made a crucial save to keep the scores level.
Morocco struggled to find rhythm during the first half, while Canada continued to press after the break. Early in the second half, Tajon Buchanan tested Bounou with a low drive, but the Moroccan goalkeeper once again stood firm.
The match turned in Morocco’s favor in the 50th minute when striker Brahim Díaz initiated a swift counterattack and found Ounahi, who fired home from distance to open the scoring. It was Ounahi’s first World Cup goal for Morocco.
The midfielder struck again eight minutes from full time, doubling Morocco’s advantage and effectively ending Canada’s hopes. In doing so, Ounahi became the first African player since Senegal’s Henri Camara in 2002 to score twice in a World Cup knockout match.
Morocco completed the scoring deep into injury time when Díaz provided another assist, allowing Rahimi to finish clinically and make it 3-0, sending the North African side into the last eight in style.
Ounahi Delighted with Match-Winning Performance
After the match, Ounahi expressed his delight at scoring twice in such an important game.
“I am very happy to score two goals for Morocco against Canada. It was not an easy victory. Canada caused us many problems in the first half. This hard-fought win will help us moving forward. We have seen throughout this World Cup that no match is easy. The most important thing is that our team has reached the quarter-finals,” he said.
Coach Ohabi Praises Team’s Second-Half Response
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ohabi praised his players for overcoming a difficult challenge.
“We are very happy with this victory. Canada made this a very tough World Cup match and showed tremendous spirit. In the second half we improved our possession and took advantage of the spaces they left in defense. Canada pushed us hard, but our ability to capitalize on opportunities made the difference,” he said.
Canada Exit with Heads Held High
Canada coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged Morocco’s quality but praised his team’s effort.
“Morocco played slightly better than us, especially towards the end of the match. However, our players showed great belief and commitment. We created several attacking opportunities, particularly in the first half, but failed to convert them. Against a team as strong as Morocco, that proved costly,” Marsch said.
Morocco’s impressive victory continues the nation’s remarkable rise on the world stage and sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash against France, as the Atlas Lions seek another historic achievement in world football.
